Celtic star Carl Starfelt wanted for La Liga transfer as world-renowned boss eyes switch for Hoops hero
CELTA VIGO are leading the chase to sign Celtic defender Carl Starfelt.
SunSport broke the news earlier this week the centre-back was on his way out of Parkhead.
Brendan Rodgers confirmed today the £4million 28 year-old was set to be sold.
And now we can reveal it’s Spanish outfit Celta - managed by seasoned Spanish coach Rafa Benitez - who are frontrunners to strike a deal.
The two clubs are in discussions with Starfelt eager to make the move happen.
One of Starfelt’s last touches as a Celtic player – his 86th appearance – will now almost certainly be the 95th minute OG after replacing Maik Nawrocki midway through the second half.
READ MORE CELTIC STORIES
Boss Rodgers said: “I wanted to put Carl Starfelt on, it might be his last appearance here.
“There has been interest for him and he wants to take up that possibility.
“We will resolve that as quick as we can. I thought it would be nice for him to get maybe a final appearance at Celtic Park.
“The clubs are in communication. I’m sure that will go through early part of next week, if not before.
Most read in Football
“Clearly he probably felt it was the time to move on.
“I have to say, he has been really respectful and has loved his time here.
“There are obviously certain conditions he has thought about in going to the one of the top leagues.
“Economically, it is hard to compete on that side and obviously his partner is no longer here anymore and has moved on.
“So there are a number of reasons why he would like to move on.
“I have to say, a total professional, first class, and if it didn’t go through, I know I can rely on him. But I think it probably will.”
Starfelt’s girlfriend Jacynta left the club’s women’s team last month for Sporting Lisbon.
He won five trophies and asked if he’ll seek a replacement for Starfelt, Rodgers said: “Yes, we’d need to get another centre half.
“The whole ideal was to have four that could be competitive, and if Carl was to go, we would bring in another one.”
Rodgers, meanwhile, was full of praise for two-goal David Turnbull who is now in the final year of his contract and started ahead of Reo Hatate.
He said: “He did very well.
“Over the course of pre-season he has trained very well, been effective in the game and obviously today gets his two goals.”
On Turnbull’s contract situation, Rodgers said: “I think it is the responsibility of the player.
“I think he is a talent. I remember seeing him when I was first here and I liked his game.
“He maybe hasn’t quite hit the heights of what his talent is.
“I spoke to him in pre-season and said that it would be a shame if you don’t achieve what you can do in a club like this because you obviously have the talent - but you have to be a working talent.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
“He is a player I really like. I love his care with the ball and his passing and his efficiency.
“It is a door that is open for him. He maybe hasn’t played as much as he would like but that is his responsibility.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page